Five academy youngsters have signed their first senior contracts with Gloucester.

The club have announced that Charlie Chapman, Alex Craig, Ciaran Knight,Tom Seabrook and Henry Walker have all been tied down to new deals.

Gloucester director of rugby David Humphreys said: "For a club like Gloucester Rugby to be consistently successful at the highest level, we have to be able to produce a constant supply of talented, home grown players capable of performing at the highest level.

"That’s the challenge that we’ve set Richard Whiffin and his staff over the past few seasons. It’s not something that happens overnight, but I genuinely feel that the hard work invested over the past few years is now really starting to pay off.

David Humphreys, Gloucester's Director of Rugby (Image: Getty Images)

"Already this season, you’ve seen most of the players confirmed today feature at first team level. And they’ve played in some very high-profile fixtures against top quality teams – in the Heineken Champions Cup, for example, and more than held their own.

"For us to be able to offer senior contracts to this group of players, plus Alex Seville of course who signed earlier this season, is something that I’m delighted to see and we’re all excited to see how they all continue to progress."

Versatile back Seabrook has made seven first team appearances, breaking the record for the fastest try on a Premiership debut when he scored after just 58 seconds against Saracens on the final day of last season.

The England Under-20 international, who turns 20 tomorrow, can play at centre or on the wing and went to Dean Close School.

Gloucester head of academy Richard Whiffin said: "We put a lot of emphasis on the development of young players in our Academy both on and off the pitch, and we feel that these players have been tested, and exposed to the top level of rugby and this has really aided their development.

"The coaching staff are confident in the young players in the group, and they fit in seamlessly in the playing squad in some huge games.

"Our aim is to produce well rounded young men, ready for modern professional rugby, and these players are not just quality on the pitch, they are wonderful ambassadors off it too.

"We see in the senior squad, many boys that have come through the ranks, and our Academy squad aspire to follow in their footsteps, and when we see local talent doing just that, it then inspires those younger lads in our Under 18, and DPP programme to follow the same path. We are delighted the players have chosen to commit further by extending their contracts at Gloucester Rugby."